Medieval ages, Byzantines and Venetians - this is Monemvassia. Situated approximately 90 kilometres to the south-east of Sparti, at the Eastern shores of the Epidaurus Limira Peninsula, it is one of the most beautiful destinations. Monemvassia is the rock of 300 meters which arises at a small distance from the Eastern shore of Laconia. Its historical settlement, established in the 6th century a.D., is preserved in excellent condition and still inhabited today. In 1464 it was occupied by the Venetians. In 1540 it was taken over by the Turks and, following this, returned once again to the hands of the Venetians. The Turks occupied Monemvassia again in 1715, until it was finally freed during the Revolution of 1821.
Walk through the Kato Polis, along the central cobbled road amidst Byzantine constructions and churches. Visit the Monemvassia Archaeological Collection, at the square of Elkomenos Hristos where the church of the same name is located. Agios Nikolaos, Panayia Mirtidiotissa and Agia Anna are further important churches.
Located at the top of the rock, the Epano Polis holds the gate, walls, various buildings and the ruins of the house of the Venetian Provleptis. The octagonal church of Agia Sofia dominates the Eastern edge of the rock, dated near 1200 a.D.
Nea Polis of Monemvassia offers many hotels, restaurants, entertainment centres and other touristic enterprises. The beach here is good, but take the time to visit other nice beaches just outside Monemvassia, such as Pera Kakavos and Pori.
